PH sends supplies for Gaza through Humanitarian Air Bridge

The Philippines on Friday turned over to the Humanitarian Air Bridge its donation of supplies for those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said.

The donation consisted of 8,323 bonnets, 3,187 pairs of gloves, and 20 blankets, it added.

OCD Administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno led the turnover of essential supplies at the NDRRMC Operations Center in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Officials from the Jordanian Honorary Consulate as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs attended the turnover ceremony.

"Today’s ceremony marks a significant moment in our efforts to support global humanitarian initiatives. It is an honor to gather here with our partners from the Jordanian Honorary Consulate and the DFA as we officially recognize the Philippines' contribution to the Humanitarian Air Bridge Campaign of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan," Nepomuceno said.

"We stand in solidarity with all those impacted by this tragedy and recognize the urgency of the situation," he said.

"With the ongoing humanitarian needs in Gaza, it is crucial that we step up and provide aid where it is most needed," Nepomuceno added.

Thousands of Palestinians displaced by the war between Israel and Hamas started going back to their homes in Gaza a few weeks ago, Reuters reported. However, most structures were reduced to rubble and there is no electricity and basic supplies.

According to Gaza's health ministry, almost 47,000 Palestinians were killed in the war that started in October 2023. —KG, GMA Integrated News